Advisory Background

Make better tech decisions backed by experts, not guesses.

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25+
Satisfied clients
supported by our experts

Voice of the Expert (VoE) connects you with independent, vetted hospitality technology specialists—so you can cut risk, save time, and implement with confidence.

01Problem Statement

Choosing hospitality technology is harder than ever

The real cost of a wrong decision isn't the license fee-
it's the lost time, wasted budget, and failed rollout.

The overwhelming choices

Too many vendors, endless solutions & mixed claims create noise, slowing decisions & procurement process.

Hidden risks in procurement

Unseen procurement risks cause integration failures, budget overruns, and project delays

The real cost of wrong decisions

Wrong tech decisions waste time, money, and frustrate teams—hurting productivity and project outcomes.

02 Solution Overview

Voice of the Expert = On-demand access to unbiased advise

Independent & Unbiased

Independent & Unbiased

Carefully vetted and independent, our consultants are vendor-neutral — ensuring every recommendation serves your best interest.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-On Experience

Each expert brings years of practical know-how from real implementations, migrations, and integrations, giving you insights that go beyond theory.

Faster Decisions

Faster Decisions

With VoE you can access an expert within 24–72 hours, cutting weeks from the evaluation process and helping your team move forward quickly.

Reduced Risk

Reduced Risk

By learning from those who’ve “been there and done it,” you avoid costly missteps, scope creep, and failed rollouts before they happen.

Actionable Roadmaps

Actionable Roadmaps

Every session ends with clear, practical steps you can apply immediately—vendor shortlists, risk checks, or phased rollout guidance.

Flexible Engagements

Flexible Engagements

Whether you need a quick sanity check, a deep-dive workshop, or a multi-session advisory plan, VoE adapts to fit your project’s needs.

Meet the Experts

Expert
Bio
Areas of Expertise
Tech Categories
Regions
Hands-on Products
Carlos Abou-Diwan avatar

Carlos Abou-Diwan

Technology systems design & implementation

With over 20 years of experience in the design of technology systems for hospitality, leisure and retail developments, I have lead the design process of all company projects and was responsible for quality control and compliance with standards, and the development of detailed system designs incorporating network infrastructure, active networking components, lan/wlan deployment and networked management and security. I have extensive knowledge of system design and implementation of large-scale integrated network and audio visual solutions. I have consulted, designed and managened more than 40 hotels with successul opening experience, including high-profile hotel projects. I have also worked as a project lead on developments worldwide.

Infrastructure Tech Design

Construction Administration

+12
Li Hawkins avatar

Li Hawkins

Project management & innovation

Li Hawkins is an experienced professional with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and leadership abilities. She has a diverse background in management roles and possesses a deep appreciation for innovation, collaboration, and integrity. Her key areas of expertise include project management, hotel development, relationship building, strategic planning, asset management, financial performance analysis, and understanding key objectives in terms of what technology is required based on the requirements of a specific business.

Li is known for her clear communication, effective presentation skills, and ability to work well under pressure while meeting deadlines.

Support in RFP process and define the system criteria require for sourcing the right solutions

Technology Compatibility and Suitability to Business Objectives

+7
Ralph Melis avatar

Ralph Melis

Hotel and travel distribution technology

I consider myself a very diverse and experienced industry professional, with extensive knowledge of Hotel and Travel distribution and the technology required to make this happen successfully. I've worked at large industry players like Booking.com, GTA and Marriott, but also more regional businesses like Rotana as well as the industry technology leader DerbySoft. People know me for being open and honest, and willing to help and educate industry professionals about the finer details of the industry. I am also the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of ExploreTECH.

What technology options are available for connectivity and distribution

Operational best practices

+6

Hospitality services

Middle East

Asia

Angie Lacia avatar

Angie Lacia

Hotel distribution optimization expert

A hotel distribution specialist supports our partners with viable solutions for optimizing distribution performance, ability to create cost-effective distribution strategies that achieve and improve visibility and long-term profitability combined with in-depth knowledge of reservations, central reservations systems, channel management, digital marketing, distribution, Sales, Meeting & Events. With over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry at a senior level and has managed comprehensive e-distribution strategies for multi-unit hotel groups in the Middle East region with Rotana Hotels, Hilton International, Damac Hotels, Roda Hotels, Carlton Hotels, Jannah Hotels & J5 Hotels.

Create distribution structure and optimize distribution content across all relevant channels

Support implementations and set up system brand / hotel standards

+7
Shadi Kaddoura avatar

Shadi Kaddoura

Market research & business consulting

I am a business consultant with hands-on experience in supporting companies across the business spectrum in making insights-driven business decisions and better understanding customers, competitors and market dynamics through market research. With 20 years of experience gained from managing projects around the globe, I've worked with some of the biggest names in market research and business intelligence as well as prominent retail, travel and technology brands.

Conduct custom research programs that suit your needs and uncover insights that add value to your market entry & expansion strategy

Define objectives based on market needs and assist you in planning how to go about achieving your goals

+4

03 How It Works

From question to clarity in four steps.

1arrow

Tell us your goal

Share your context—systems in scope, current challenges, and what success looks like.

2

Match the right expert

We select from our vetted pool of consultants based on domain expertise, regional knowledge, and proven project experience.

3

Book your session

Choose the format that fits: quick 30-minute check, 60–90 min deep dive, or a structured multi-session advisory.

4

Get clear next steps

Walk away with clear recommendations: vendor shortlists, risk flags, phased rollout plans, and integration guidance.

04 Areas of Support

VoE support across the hotel lifecycle.

From planning through activation to optimization, our Voice of Expert consultants bring firsthand expertise — not just advice. Having been there and done it across multiple engagements, they deliver practical, current, and actionable support, making every engagement simple yet enriched with deep, real-world know-how.

Master Planning

01 Master Planning

  • Tech Stack Architecture
  • Guest Journey & Digital Touchpoints
  • Solution Shortlisting (Fit–Gap)
  • CAPEX Budgeting & Phasing
  • Integration and scalability planning
Pre-opening & Opening

02 Pre-opening & Opening

  • Solution Benchmarking & Comparison
  • RFP Design & Management
  • Tech Procurement Advisory
  • Implementation Roadmap & Oversight
  • Training & go-live planning & support
Operational

03 Operational

  • Upgrade path advisory
  • Enhancement recommendations
  • New solutions adoption guidance
  • Contract renewal & negotiation tips
  • Integration & expansion check

05 Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions?
We’ve got answers.

From independence and speed to session formats and confidentiality, here are the most common questions buyers ask before booking with VoE.

Q1. What is the Voice of the Expert (VoE) program?

VoE is ExploreTECH’s advisory service that connects hospitality decision-makers with vetted, tech-agnostic consultants. It adds the human touch to our digital platform, giving you instant access to unbiased, practical, and actionable insights to make smarter technology decisions with efficiency and ease.

Q2. Who can benefit from VoE?

VoE is designed for hospitality professionals at every stage—whether you’re an independent hotel building your first tech stack, an operational property upgrading systems, a procurement team evaluating vendors, or an asset manager seeking validation on CAPEX proposals.


Our consultants support you throughout the full hotel lifecycle—from master planning to daily operations—across a wide range of technology and commercial needs.

Q3. What kind of expertise do VoE consultants provide?

All VoE consultants are seasoned professionals, carefully selected and vetted by ExploreTECH for their credibility, personal brand equity, and proven expertise. Each comes from an established consultancy background, with a long-standing history of engagements across multiple clients and markets.


These executives are hospitality and technology experts who bring real, hands-on experience in hospitality and technology. Their expertise spans building, optimizing, and expanding hotel tech ecosystems, benchmarking solutions, validating vendor proposals, and leading digital transformation strategies—always with practical, real-world insights you can trust.



Q4. How does the VoE process work?

You can book a VoE consultant directly through ExploreTECH. Simply review profiles, fees, and expertise, then schedule and pay securely on the platform. Once booked, your appointment booking is managed through Calendly, making it easy to confirm or reschedule. After the session, your consultant may share a short summary and outline of any possible next steps – where applicable.

Q5. What makes VoE consultants different from regular advisors?

What sets VoE apart is the ease, speed and flexibility of the engagement—perfect for a quick exchange of ideas, validation, or simply getting a trusted second opinion without committing to lengthy contracts. For larger projects or long-term scopes of work, you are free to engage any of our VoE consultants—or other consultancies—directly off-platform.


At ExploreTECH, we’ve made sure our VoE experts are not just advisors, but seasoned professionals with first-hand, multi-client, real-world experience—bringing practical insights you can act on immediately.


Q6. Can I work with a consultant beyond the VoE session?

Yes. VoE is designed for short, focused engagements—ideal for quick validations, second opinions, or targeted advice. If you and your consultant choose to continue working together beyond the initial session/s for larger scopes that require days rather than hours, you and your consultant are free to continue working together directly outside the platform.


Q7. Can I cancel my time booking after?

Once a session is booked and paid, it cannot be cancelled or refunded. However, you can reschedule your meeting directly with your consultant to a time that works better for you.


Q8. Can you Sign an NDA?

It’s usually not required, as VoE sessions are short and focused, without the need to share sensitive or confidential details. However, if an NDA is a prerequisite for you, then yes—we’re happy to sign one.


Please Note: while our consultants are independent, each is vetted and operates under their own trade license, as well as a confidentiality & IP clause built into their agreement with ExploreTECH.



Q9. How can I become a VoE consultant?

VoE consultants are not self-enrolled. Each expert is carefully vetted and invited by ExploreTECH management. If you are an experienced hospitality tech consultant with strong industry credibility and wish to be considered, you may contact our team for evaluation – send your request direct to Exploremore@exploreTECH.io.

Ready to make technology decisions


with clarity, confidence, and expert guidance?

Make smarter tech choices with guidance from independent experts who’ve already been where you are.

06 Join the Voice of the Expert (VoE)

Share your expertise. Shape better technology decisions.

Are you an experienced professional in hospitality or technology? VoE connects industry specialists with buyers and vendors seeking unbiased, real-world advice.

Join our growing community of trusted experts who help organizations make smarter, faster, and more confident technology choices.

JoinVOE